2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
MATH5453M Foundations of Fluid Dynamics
30 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Dr Oliver Harlen
Email: O.G.Harlen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
Admissions to the CDT in Fluid DynamicsThis module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module will prepare students intending to do a fluids related PhD.It is relevant to a wide range of application areas in which fluids dynamics plays an important role: in engineering, applied mathematics, atmosphere or ocean dynamics, or astrophysical or geophysical fluid dynamics. The module will involve fundamental theory, numerical and experimental methods so that students will get an overview of all the main methods by which fluid dynamics problems can be tackled.Objectives
The module will give students from potentially different backgrounds the core skills they will need in the fundamental theory of fluid dynamics, numerical methods and experimental methods to successfully complete a PhD in a research area with a significant fluids component.Learning outcomes
and design of experiments. Students will understand the fundamental theoretical concepts of fluid dynamics and how they can be applied to solve engineering and scientific problems.
They will be aware of the principal numerical methods used to solve fluid dynamics problems. They will have practical experience of developing successful codes to find numerical solutions of basic fluid flows. They will understand the basic concepts of the numerical modelling of laminar and turbulent flows.
Students will be familiar with the basic techniques of experimental fluid dynamics. They will have had practical experience of setting up and measurement for laboratory fluid dynamics experiments.
Students will have gained experience of the interactions between CFD, analytic models and experiments.
Syllabus
Underlying theory will include:
1. Continuum description of fluids. Streamfunction and vorticity. Stress and strain rate tensors, distinction between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids;
2. Navier-Stokes equation and exact solutions. Low and high Reynolds number approximations, and where they can be applied;
3. Conservation Laws. Scaling and dimensionless numbers in fluid dynamics;
4. Energy equation, compressible flows and convection;
5. Wave motion with applications to gravity waves. Nonlinear waves on shallow water.
6. Boundary layers. Separation;
7. Introduction to turbulence modelling.
Numerical methods will include:
8. Finite difference, finite volume and finite element methods;
9. Error and stability of numerical schemes. Time-stepping schemes;
10. Conservative schemes;
Experimental Methods will include:
11. Design of experiments, scale analysis. Links between experiments, theory and CFD;
12. Flow visualisation techniques;
13. Anemometry measurements, velocimetry techniques.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Laboratory | 4 | 3.00 | 12.00 |
| Lecture | 40 | 1.00 | 40.00 |
| Practical | 5 | 2.00 | 10.00 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Tutorial | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Private study hours | 224.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 76.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 | ||
Private study
There will be assessed example sheets and computer practical exercises to complete. The laboratory-based work will be written up and assessed. There will be a substantial reading list, with recommendations as to which sections need to be mastered.It is intended that students will help each other prepare for these tasks, so 20 hours is allocated to group learning.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
The in-course assessment of the example sheets, computer practicals and lab work will allow staff to monitor students' progress. This will be used to advise students were there is any cause for concern about particular areas where students may be having difficulties.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Experimental Lab Assessment (Coursework) | 20.00 |
| Assignment | Assessment of Computational practicals (Coursework) | 25.00 |
| Assignment | Assessed example sheets on Theory (Coursework) | 15.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 60.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 30 mins | 40.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 40.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 07/03/2024
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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